Evacuees
My sister and I, Margaret and Maureen Grieve, were evacuated to Brynamman. I lived with Nellie, Stanley and Menna Thomas in the then new council houses.
My sister stayed with the Pughs in Faifield House. My brothers joined us, Ken went to Station Rd and David to Mountain Rd. Mr and Mrs Mounford were our head master and mistress.
I can remember the school burning down which we evacuees shared with the Welsh children. Can still remember odd words in Welsh. Returned a few years ago, and met up with the few remaining aunties. Would like another visit, but time is against one, too much hassle with travelling. But just wanted to say Hello. Cyru am byth.
Memories Links
See more memories of Upper Brynamman
Add a Memory for another place
Tips & Ideas
How has this scene changed?
Do you know who lived or worked here?
Why is this photo significant to you?
Particular points of interest - transport, architecture, fashions etc.
Comments
1 comment has been shared so far in response to the memory "Evacuees".
Why not get involved and post your comments using the comment form below.
Comments
RE: RE: Evacuees
In 1944, I remember being sent from Paddington train station with a gas mask, and a label pinned to my coat with my name and address. There were about 15 of us in our group. We were sent to Swansea, and from there to the village of Upper Brynaman, at the chapel vestry of Moira. I remember the couple, whose names were Mr and Mrs Mountford, they were in charge of us. From there I was sent to the home of Mr and Mrs James, they were a very nice couple indeed. From the very beginning I called them Aunty and Uncle. After only being with them for two weeks I had to learn to sing a Welsh song at their local chapel of Bethania. I remember the song well, it was 'Plant Bach Iesu Grist'. I made many friends, and picked up the language in a short time. From then on I used to compete at the local Eisteddfod. Mr and Mrs James had relatives at Gwynfe, over the Black Mountain, they were farm owners on one of those farms I remember were two Italian prisoners of war, they were used as farm labour I remember. Their names were Donati and Domingo and they were very skilled and did a lot of building around the farm. They would meet up with their fellow prisoners the the YMCA at the square in Llangadock. I was eight years old when I left Brynaman to go back home to London in 1945, I then came back in 1949 and have stayed here ever since. Jack Milner
Comment from Jack Milner on Wednesday, 4th November 2009.